That was the feeling of most after attending a meeting last Wednesday at the Fairfield Glade Conference Center, held by Apex Energy to explain to the residents their progress of the Construction of the Industrial Wind Farm they plan to build in Crab Orchard.

The attendance for this meeting was approximately 25 people. Earlier in the day, Apex held another meeting at Crab Orchard and 4 people attended that meeting. There were two more meetings held at each location on Thursday.

Apex representatives explained that the review process was almost completed and that they were on schedule to start construction some time late this year or early next year and complete the project by end of 2017.

During Apex’s presentation there was a fair amount of back and forth questions and answers – which lent to robust conversation at times.

“We always appreciate the chance to get out in the community,” said Kevin Chandler, spokesman for Apex. “As with any large economic development project, some folks have questions and concerns, but the majority of people we have met in the county have been strongly supportive. Crab Orchard Wind will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in tax revenue for Cumberland County, and we are confident we can build a project that the community can be proud of. We hope that folks will continue to learn more and get in touch by visiting craborchardwind.com.”

Others attending had a different take on matters.

Naturally, most of the questions were with concerns on the effects that the Industrial Wind Farm would have on the residents of Fairfield Glade. Because the answers would require a couple of pages to answer, it is advised to anyone who wants to hear more on the issues to attend the meeting held each Thursday by the Cumberland Mountain Preservation Coalition at the Multi-Purpose Bldg. this Thursday, April 28, at 4:30 P.M.

The Cumberland Mountain Preservation Coalition is a group of concerned citizens formed to study the effects that the Industrial Wind farm will have on property values, the health effects, Infrasound and local wildlife population.

A few highlights from the Apex presentation was the number of Turbines has gone from 20 to possibly 29.

These turbines are going to be some of the biggest Industrial turbines in the world. Taller then the Washington Monument and will be visible for over 30 miles, dwarfing the mountain range they will be located on.

Originally, the amount of land that Apex was to lease/purchase for this project was 1,800 acres. But they told guests at the meeting that that amount has increased to 8,000 acres.

Why the change? No answer has been given as yet.

When ask about selling their power, Apex said it had not found a buyer locally and would be selling their power outside of Tennessee, to the highest bidder.

Competing against own power companies in this region.

Many in attendance feel that this project may have a life-changing effect on, not only the residents here in the Glade, but Wyndham resorts and guests, along with the many residents in the Crab Orchard area.

The Vista is trying to find more answers to the many questions residents have asked.

In fact, a few of the major questions were sent to Apex representatives a few weeks ago, and again last week.

A sample of the questions include:

Exactly what will be the location and direction of the the windmills? What effect might they have on birds and wildlife? Will sounds be heard in certain areas of the Glade? Is there a specific benefit to Glade residents?

However, as of yet, no answers have been supplied – though a response was sent stating that they intend to do so in short order.

Source: By JAY MCCARTHY AND KEITH WALTHER, For The Vista |
April 28th, 2016 |
vistanewspaper.com

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